Shooting with models under the age of 18

I’ve shot with several underage models on here. I don’t believe the site has any facility to actually ensure anything regarding a ‘representative’ for an underage model. It seems to me the site can only offer advice, and react to reports of any issues. I’m not sure what else they can realistically offer to do. (I’d personally not be willing to pay additional membership costs to cover the added costs to the site, and I suspect I’m not alone)

In my case in any comms with an underage model I’ve pointed out that (a) I’d want to speak to their ‘responsible adult’ before actually shooting (b) they must be chaperoned (c) my wife will also attend to benefit both of us.

I’d add that I’ve been told this hasn’t always been the experience of those underage models with other photographers (even excluding the ‘my wife’ bit which I realise is an ‘additional safety feature’ not available to all)

Edited by ADWsPhotos

I can't see that PP would want to vouch for a model's age and possibly end up in court for doing so incorrectly? Caveat Emptor applies here, I think.

I have shot with under-18s without any worries:

1) Mum, Dad or Granny must be there as a chaperone. Nobody else counts. Not the boyfriend.

2) The chaperone shows me his/her ID and signs the model release afterwards as the responsible adult.

3) I photograph the model and chaperone together, holding the model release.

4) Age-appropriate photos only.

5) My wife or daughters are around as well.

Not saying everyone has to do it this way, but it works for me.

I've worked with a few U18s. Similarly to Huw I've insisted on a parent or guardian is present throughout. And it should go without saying that all the pics have been age-appropriate.   

I've never had any problems. 

I have shot with an under 18 once, at the request of her mum, who accompanied her to the shoot (I shot with the mum as well.) I had no issues with the shoot, but I wouldn't want to do so too often.

There are child models...you can shoot under 18s. But there are way more considerations to be made. I won't go into them..but please do your research first.

I'd be very suspicious of any 'model agency' that approaches you in this way. There have been many instances of scam agencies approaching models, even offering them portfolio shoots and then charging them a fortune for make-up, studio-time and prints etc.

back to the main point; I have worked with some under 18 models. I always insist on a model release signed by a parent/guardian and having a parent/guardian present acting as chaperone, throughout the shoot. I have limited such shoots to'fashion' only. No comms with the model directly - only with the parent/guardian. No 'sexy' or 'provocative' poses or clothing.

If your friends daughter found her way onto Purpleport then as I understand it from their T&C's, she must be presented by one of her parents and not have access to the account. The parent will be responsible for all communications and bookings. I take it that this could be paid so there are further legal issues to consider.

A quick search normally gives some additional guidance. It looks like a child undertaking "paid work" is subject to uk law and bylaws, not sure about working for free or the parents paying for modelling pictures for her portfolio?

Child employment: Local council rules for child employment permits - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The above link states that only 13+ can work and need a performance license from the council

Child employment: Performance licences and supervision for children - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The above link requires Parents, teacher or council approved chaperones present

Basic, Standard And Enhanced DBS Checks | Post Office®

The link above, if a photographer will be working with children or vulnerable people then a DBS check?

Also I'm not sure everything is correct above or up to date, you know how the internet can be. Anyone considering this could possibly contact their council if they are paying the model. If they are paying the photographer then I have no idea, possibly just the DBS check, I am sure some studio owners and professional photographers on here know far more than a Google Search.

KernowPhoto said

I'd be very suspicious of any 'model agency' that approaches you in this way. There have been many instances of scam agencies approaching models, even offering them portfolio shoots and then charging them a fortune for make-up, studio-time and prints etc.

back to the main point; I have worked with some under 18 models. I always insist on a model release signed by a parent/guardian and having a parent/guardian present acting as chaperone, throughout the shoot. I have limited such shoots to'fashion' only. No comms with the model directly - only with the parent/guardian. No 'sexy' or 'provocative' poses or clothing.

Most of the top agencies employ scouts that frequent certain parts of London (where my friends daughter was spotted) regularly and music festivals is another favourite apparently.

Huw said

I have shot with under-18s without any worries:

1) Mum, Dad or Granny must be there as a chaperone. Nobody else counts. Not the boyfriend.

2) The chaperone shows me his/her ID and signs the model release afterwards as the responsible adult.

3) I photograph the model and chaperone together, holding the model release.

4) Age-appropriate photos only.

5) My wife or daughters are around as well.

Not saying everyone has to do it this way, but it works for me.

This has always been my approach too. 

2 of the models on my portfolio here are both under 18 - in fact one was 15 when I shot with her.

I've also regularly photographed models scouted for agencies who were U18 - its not as unusual as you think for an approach to be made on the street.

SimonL exactly. 14 is when the top agencies want them to start

Huw said

SimonL exactly. 14 is when the top agencies want them to start

That certainly concurs with my friend's daughter's experience

I personally wouldn't shoot under 18. I act in the local theatre and am aware of the various hoops one must jump through to stage a production with kids in such as Sound of Music, Oliver, Annie etc.

I had a 16 year old model approach me a while back when I still had a jacuzzi, wanting to do a swimwear shoot in it. Indeed she influences bikinis on Instagram (she might just about be 18 now but she was doing this before then for sure.)

Initially, I was OK with it as she was bringing her dad along.

She was a dancer who had done several dance shoots as well as swimwear shoots (in a studio as opposed to a swimming setting, as advised on here) and knew how it all works.

Couple of days later I shot with a certain very popular trained adult dancer. As always, broke for coffee and over a cuppa I bought this up and said to her, "having taken time for reflection I'm not sure this is a good idea." She agreed with my gut and suggested I offered instead to travel to her mum's studio (principal of a dance school) and do a dance shoot there, as she'd need certain pics to get into a performance college such as Bird, Emil Dale etc. That never happened but to be fair to the teen model, she understood fully why I backed out.

I personally don't have a problem shooting 18-21 year olds, but I won't do so without ID.

I shot with one 17 year old. I took my 20 something daughter along as a chaperone. It all went smoothly. As far as I know she has only ever represented herself on PP.

The shoot was strictly SFW and I got one of my favorite ever shots from it.

That model is now 20 and we are still friends.